A Richmond resident has pledged half of his assets to the BC Cancer Foundation after watching his parents battle cancer and facing his own diagnosis.
Baljit Dhillon was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 73 in February 2022 and underwent surgery right after completing chemotherapy.
"I took the diagnosis as a normal illness," said Dhillon.
"However, at first, I was very much sure it was just a dream."
Dhillon said gratitude and positivity have "guided his life," especially when faced with challenges like cancer.
During his treatment, his cancer drug therapy interacted with his diabetes medication causing a rare and serious complication that put him in the hospital for five days.
He was diagnosed with ketoacidosis, a condition when the body can't produce enough insulin. He received treatment and finished his chemotherapy and by 2023, his scans showed he was clear of cancer.
Dhillon told the Richmond News knowing he had an amazing team of doctors and specialists allowed him to stay positive during his fight.
"I am leading a normal life and I love to walk long distances and go to the gym, where I spend about an hour doing my workout," he said.
Before his diagnosis, his parents also battled cancer — his mother faced ovarian cancer for four and a half years and his father with prostate and bone cancer.
Dhillon's father named the BC Cancer Foundation as one of his charities before he passed away.
Following his father's example, Dhillon delivered a cheque to the foundation every three months and even pledged half his assets to the foundation before his own diagnosis.
He praises Vancouver General Hospital and the BC Cancer agency for their work.
"The BC Cancer Foundation is equally great too, and has been important to me and my family," said Dhillon.
"I am here on this earth because of all the doctors and staff that cared for me."
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